Have you ever had a dream of becoming a network administrator? Network administrators are great at adding value to the world around them via connecting people. Their media are often social platforms like twitter, snapchat, Facebook, etc.
I bet plenty of people have had the dream of linking folks globally but don’t even know how to begin. This article is for you if you fall into that category.
There are many paths one can tread in the quest to become a network administrator or engineer, but often, one would need some IT certifications. One of the most important would be the CompTIA Network+ certification.
In this lengthy read, you are also going to find out how to go about obtaining this all-important CompTIA Network+ certification.
First, What Is CompTIA?
CompTIA is short for Computer Technology Industry Association. This body is responsible for providing the certifications that test your understanding of the concept of Information Technology. The certification offered by CompTIA includes Network+, A+, and Security+, and these certificates show an employer that you are eligible for the role of an IT expert.
Network+ Certification and Its Scope
The Network+ certification is mostly a foundational assessment or test. By implication, if you have grasped the concepts of the certification, you can be considered for an IT job (entry-level).
The network+ certification is not such a difficult exam, but it will arouse critical thinking and is attainable. However, to be considered worthy of the certificate, you must score at least 720/900 in the 90-questions test that must be done in 90 minutes.
The network+ certification is accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) while also in compliance with the ISO 17024.
Why Is Network+ Certification Important?
With your CompTIA network+ certification, you can work in government establishments. However, you would be required to maintain a CEU (continuing education units) and must have done 30 in 3 years even after you have been ticked as a CompTIA network+ certificate holder.
Scope
Most IT certifications categorize the obtainable knowledge into several domains and then into sub-domains. To pass the exam means understanding the basic domain. However, the sub-domain information would greatly affect your certification.
Here is the scope of the CompTIA Network+ certificate examination.
- Network architecture
- Network security
- Network operations
- Troubleshooting
- Industry standards, network theory, and practices
Each of these domains has some information you have to grasp and understand to excel in the exams. You aren't expected to be an expert but have basic knowledge of what an employer expects from you as the certificate holder.
What Can The CompTIA Network+ Do For Me?
Did you just begin your CompTIA network+ journey and are wondering what it can do for you? Here is the thing.
CompTIA Network+ provides some marketing materials to help you understand the concept better. However, there are some real-life uses of the knowledge of this program.
Most employers have seen hundreds of thousands of resumes and possibly keep seeing such daily. Nevertheless, what they are looking for is someone with basic knowledge of IT to be incorporated into the company’s growth process.
These days, IT runs the business world, and that is why employers are willing to spill a huge chunk to secure reliable services.
The CompTIA Network+ certification will give you basic knowledge on areas involving network operations, security, administration, etc.
If you are from the non-IT background and wish to change career paths, the CompTIA certification will ensure you have enough knowledge to grab your spot immediately without putting efforts in your job hunt.
The exams also test your dexterity at installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting a network or networks.
There are several other applications of the CompTIA network+, which includes the understanding of TCP/IP, and basics of the ISO models
What Jobs Roles Can I Take Up With My CompTIA Network+ Certificate?
There is an abundance of job roles you can handle or be eligible for with a CompTIA Network+ certification. Here are some of the roles:
- IT Consultant
- Network Admin
- Network Engineer
- Computer Technician
- System Engineer
- Network Analyst
And many more.
How Much Can I Make With My CompTIA Network+ Knowledge?
IT jobs are always rewarding these days. The best part is there are so many opportunities to make your mark within the field. However, what you make may depend on the organization you work with or the geographical location you are.
Nevertheless, here, let us run through the mean salaries you would make with your CompTIA network+ certificate, according to the US Bureau of Statistics.
- Network administrators earn a mean salary of $86,340 annually
- Network system analysts earn around $92, 740 while
- Network support professionals earn $67,510
Can I Boost My Pay?
Many factors can affect how much you earn in your IT job role. How much you earn may contrast with what the mean or median is postulated by the US Bureau.
Here are some ways to improve your chances of a better pay bargain.
- Experience: Experience, especially before your job application, matters a lot. If employers can see that they will not need to spend much on your training and your experience encompasses the job role, you can bargain for a better offer. Also, if you have experience in another field that relates to this job role, it can help add more weight to your paycheck.
- Additional Certifications: An employer finds you more reliable, depending on the many certifications you have that are related to the job role. The CompTIA Network+ may be your first certificate, but if you plan on taking a few more certifications before applying for a job, the employer may be willing pay you better in order to secure your services.
- Commitment: If you are certified, it shows how serious you are about the chosen career. Staying certified has proven to be extremely important because it will show potential employers how committed you are towards your career. That impression can impact on your job and get you at a good standpoint as a professional, along with having a better convincing power when looking for a new job.